I do not and cannot choose one over the other
The plight of split loyalties is as rare as it is heart-wrenching. When the top two tennis stars of all time in Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal take the court, their fans invariably join one camp or another. But not me. I am not like one of those either who simply admires “good tennis” and adopts the guise of a neutral to watch both players in action.
Instead, I happen to be someone who feels very strongly about both the Swiss and the Spaniard, and how they perform week in and week out. I do not and cannot choose one over the other. Both are my favourites, and I cheer them both to glory, which is easier said than done. The ideal tournament for me would be one where Nadal and Federer reach the final and the match gets washed out resulting in the two of them sharing the spoils!
It thus comes as a sort of a blessing in disguise that Federer is skipping the clay court season this year. Not only does this improve his chances of another stupendous display at Wimbledon, but it also gives me the opportunity to cheer for Rafa (and Rafa alone) in his bid for a record 10th French Open crown.
Cognitive dissonance... euphoria for the victor tempered with acute disappointment for the loser
In cricket I bleed blue and when it comes to football, it’s only Barcelona and Lionel Messi for me. No such clarity of emotions and allegiance when gladiators Rafa and Roger face off, especially in Grand Slams. My friends are the first to remind me that no matter who wins, I won’t be all smiles after the match! But, I am used to it.
This year’s Australian Open provides the perfect example. Both stars were making a comeback, and not even me, an incorrigible optimist, could have predicted them clashing for the title in Melbourne. As it turned out, both these stalwarts defied logic to make it to the final. I had already told my friends before the match that my victory lay in both reaching the final hurdle, not in who was to overcome it.
Ultimately, it was Federer who triumphed, making me feel yet again what I used to when the two of them would regularly square off in finals — euphoria for the victor tempered with acute disappointment for the loser. And yes, it is actually possible to feel this way. I have even coined a term for this feeling — “cognitive dissonance”.
Watching Federer is like reading sublime poetry or listening to classical music. Nadal makes me believe in never giving up, and in conquering the impossible
At times, I have contemplated whether deep down I am actually more of a Federer fan. The inimitable grace of his shots, the sheer effortlessness of his movement, as well as his perennial modesty have often tempted me into believing thus. But then, when I think of my admiration for Nadal, I end up getting confused. Besides being a man of extraordinary stamina and strength, the king of clay is also the embodiment of resilience.
Watching Federer is like reading sublime poetry or listening to classical music. Nadal, admittedly, does not provide any such aesthetic pleasure, but he makes me believe in never giving up, and in conquering the impossible. It is, in fact, due to their contrasting styles and complementary attributes that I have been able to appreciate their collective excellence for over a decade without letting one dilute the other.
I remember that as a kid, I would wait all year long for summer. Apart from the joy of vacations, it would be Rafa-Roger time. Rafa would trounce all to win in Paris before Roger would repeat the feat in London. Such was their dominance that for a good few years, Nadal and Federer had a virtual monopoly over Roland Garros and Wimbledon, respectively.
The last few years, however, have made for a torrid time (for me) as the likes of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stanislas Wawrinka have risen to the zenith of tennis, dethroning my heroes in the process.
Year of hope: Nadal clinching La Decima and Federer a historic eighth at Wimbledon
This year though has brought with it fresh hope. While I agree that neither Roger nor Rafa can continue being the most consistent player on the circuit, both have demonstrated that they still have enough left in the tank to remain competitive. That in itself is great news for someone like me.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to be living in an era where two all-time greats have prospered. At the same time, I am aware that like all good things, the careers of both Rafa and Roger too will one day come to an end. When that day does arrive, it wouldn’t matter to me as to who won more Grand Slams, or who had the edge in head-to-head meetings. What would matter, however, would be the countless times they have inspired me, made me cry and made me smile (often simultaneously), and proven to me that form may be temporary, but class is permanent.
As for now, I sincerely look forward to history repeating itself with Nadal clinching La Decima and Federer winning a historic eighth title at Wimbledon. In doing so, most of the world may choose to pick a corner, but I shall take up my usual position in the middle, for that remains to my mind the best place to enjoy greatness.
FIVE FAVOURITE MOMENTS
1. RAFA SEALS EPIC BIG W WIN
In what remains the most anticipated match of their rivalry, Roger and Rafa played a five-hour classic in the 2008 Wimbledon final, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter eventually won by Nadal.
2. RAFA, A TRUE CHAMPION
Federer was gutted after losing the 2009 Australian Open final to Nadal. But the Spaniard provided some consolation with his heartening words, “Well first of all, sorry for today. I really know how you feel right now… but remember, you are a great champion, one of the best in history, and you are going to beat Pete Sampras’ record.”
3. ROGER RETURNS THE FAVOUR
Eight years later in Australia, Roger had this to say about his nemesis after beating Rafa to win his 18th slam in Melbourne: “I’m his number one fan. His game is simply tremendous… there are no draws in tennis, but I would have been happy to share this trophy with Rafa tonight.”
4. THE RAFA SHOW IN PARIS
In their third straight final on the clay of Paris (2008), Nadal showed his unparalleled class once again by winning in straight sets against Roger to clinch a fourth consecutive Roland Garros crown.
5. BRING ON THE LAUGHS
There can be no better example of the Rafa-Roger camaraderie than a video shot by the two legends for a charity match, where both had to deliver lines (on helium). Both failed delightfully as neither could stop laughing at the other’s inability to keep a straight face, providing an unforgettable advertisement for fans across the world.
